UNISON stands with migrant workers in Qatar – beyond the World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has come at a huge human cost to migrant workers in Qatar. Since winning the FIFA bid for the competition in 2010, Qatar has relied on migrant workers to execute its ambitious infrastructure-building projects, which include the construction of seven new stadiums, the renovation of an eighth, and the building of new public transport systems, skyscrapers, hotels and housing. Lusail, where the World Cup final will take place on 18 December, is a purpose-built ‘smart city’ designed especially for the tournament, which was only completed in 2021. None of this would have been possible without the two million migrant workers who make up 95% of Qatar’s labour force. The majority of these people are employed in construction or domestic labour, and many have travelled from South Asia, South East Asia and Africa to work there. Many have experienced ruthless exploitation where non-payment and late payment is commonplace, and many have lost their lives due to dangerous working condition – the Guardian has reported as many as 6,500. And LGBT+ migrant workers endure added discrimination and risks at the hands of Qatar’s security services. For years, UNISON has supported the PlayFair Qatar campaign and worked in partnership with the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) global union federation to successfully demand changes to Qatar’s labour laws and their implementation. With pressure from the international trade union movement, Qatar has made ...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News international qatar world cup 2022 Source Type: news